Roll Call Tribute

Ruperto B. Escobar 

February 26, 1944 - November 10, 2024 

Escobar descended from Jose Antonio Escobar, from Albacete, Spain. Ruperto Baldemar Escobar, a seventh-generation Tejano and lifelong resident of Escobares, Texas, whose family was one of the early settlers of Mier, Nuevo Santander, Nueva Espa a, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 10, 2024. He was 80 years old.

Mr. Juan Manuel Escobar said Ruperto's lineage is traced back to Jose Antonio Escobar, a Spanish citizen whose son, Jose Maria Escobar, traveled to Mier via Aguascalientes, Mexico, in the 1700s. Jose Maria Escobar and his descendants founded and settled what today is known as the City of Escobares in Starr County, Texas.

He was born on February 26, 1944, in Escobares, Texas, the oldest of three children to Ruperto E. Barrera and Maria Barrera. Proud of being born and raised in Escobares, Texas, he was a devoted son, husband, loving father, and grandfather. Ruperto graduated from Roma High School in 1963. He then fulfilled his dream of being an Aggie by attending Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a BS in Agriculture Science.

Following university graduation, he was drafted and enlisted with the US Army stationed at Fort Bliss (El Paso), Texas. During his enlistment, he married Maria Mireles. Upon honorable discharge, Ruperto returned to the Rio Grande Valley, where he and his wife started a family. He was employed as an Agriculture (FFA) Teacher at McAllen ISD and, shortly after, accepted a teaching position with Rio Grande City ISD. He lived a long life of service and dedication to his community, touching the lives of countless students, friends, and family he guided and supported.

He was a devout member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and instrumental in starting the Knights of Columbus Chapter in Escobares. He led the efforts to incorporate the City of Escobares (established in 2005) and served the Starr County Soil and Water Conservation District for twenty years. He was a faithful servant to God, family, and community.

Ranching and love for the land ran in his blood and passed down from generation to generation. Tanya, his eldest daughter, stated: Our father taught us to be stewards of the land, to protect and conserve it for future generations. Our father was a gentleman. He walked softly on the ground; however, the impact of his footprint, like that of our ancestors, will live for future generations. He leaves his mark on the Escobar ancestral story and legacy. The Escobar family would like to express gratitude and appreciation to family, friends, and community for their outpouring of love and support. Rest In Peace, and May Your Memory Be Eternal.